Thursday, July 6, 2017

Pintos

9x12 watercolor done a few days ago before leaving the mountains, where these horses were photographed at Ruidoso Downs. Larger than life they are so realistic and when painted on Canson 140 lb cold press paper using Daniel Smith pigments, one can almost believe you can reach out and feel the wind as they rush past. Sculptor Dave McGary created several horses there at the racetrack permanent display. Their colors are more soft black and white than this brown bay color I mixed with ultramarine blue and quinacridone burnt orange. The lead fellow is an Appaloosa (you can see his rump and tail). I featured this painting on Southwest/Western forum on WetCanvas monthly challenge.
Image COPYRIGHT 2017 Kay Smith

Artist's Statement

"Working from dark to light provides me with immediate gratification seeing value comparisons. Whether I'm painting architectural subjects, animals, floral or still life, I am always looking for the darks first. By establishing these values early, I'm better able to judge the values that follow.

Since creating art is a solitary pursuit, I become absorbed and as one with the painting. Initial excitement usually drives me headlong into a sketching mode with or without value studies. Primarily I work from photographs.

I paint because I have to paint; I want to show you what I see. Viewing my works will be a revelation of who I am.